Your child should understand the importance of planning before he begins work on this project. He should realize that a life that is planned well is a life that is lived to the utmost.

A child who has a direction in life will be in control of what he will do. Others, including his peers, will not be able to sway, sidetrack, force, or convince him to do inappropriate things, since he knows what he wants to accomplish. He will follow a sensible path as he works toward his goals.

Your child may fight your efforts

As with many other beneficial things, your child may not be interested in planning his life. He is more likely to ask to be left alone, to let things happen, to let the chips fall as they may. You may have to invest in some skilled parenting in order to get your child to accept assistance in planning his life.

If he refuses your assistance, then you have two other options:

• You can drop the subject. It's better to have a good relationship with the child
• You can ask an outsider to help your child